Dynamic Duo Brings New Energy to Graduate Studies Office

The Office of Graduate Studies is now complete with the addition of two staff members – Director of Executive Programs Maggie Padilla and Graduate Programs Manager Anthony Tello.

“Maggie and Anthony show great passion for their work,” said Dr. Ki-Joon Back, associate dean for Research & Graduate Studies. “Now that they are on board, I am most excited to see our graduate, executive, and international programs find even more success.”

Padilla joined the College this past March, having worked as program coordinator at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). Her role at the College isn’t her first at the University of Houston. Prior to SHSU, she spent more than three years as program manager for the University’s Hobby Center for Public Policy, now the Hobby School of Public Affairs.

“My professional roots run deep here,” she said. “From the moment I stepped back on campus, it felt like I had come home.”

For the past two months, Padilla has been working to advance our online Executive Master of Hospitality Management program, as well as other executive education initiatives at the College. She’s also dedicated to helping students in these programs feel the strength of the Hilton College community.

“One of my favorite things about Hilton College is its culture,” she said. “When you walk the hallways and speak to the faculty, students and staff, you know that this is a great place to learn and grow. Although students in the Executive Master’s program are not on campus, I want to ensure that each of them can experience the kind of hospitality for which Hilton College is known.”

Tello, who joined the College in April, is also no stranger to the University. He brings experience from the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, where he worked as undergraduate academic advisor for more than two years. Here, he assists current and prospective graduate students through their entire journey, from the application to graduation, in all our graduate programs – the Master of Science in Hospitality Management, Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration, the 4+1 BS/MS Plan, the Dual MS/MBA and the Graduate Certificate in Hospitality Decision Making and Data Analytics.

In his first month on the job, Tello said he has been impressed with the air of professionalism and purpose that seems to permeate from the very walls of our College and hotel.

“As soon as I step off of the elevator in the morning, I feel very much a part of the College and its mission to educate the next generation of leaders in the industry,” he said. “It is with great joy and excitement that I look ahead to my future here. There is something about this place that encourages you to spread your wings and reach new heights.”

Another on-the-job perk for Tello? He’s on a first-name basis with the baristas at Cougar Grounds, our student-run coffee shop!

“Everyone there is wonderful, and I highly recommend the Mayan mocha and the sausage and cheese kolache,” he said. “There's no better way to start your day!”

Director of International Programs Jennifer Glickman, who has been helping Padilla and Tello transition into their new roles, said she couldn’t have asked to be a part of a better team.

“This is an exciting time for the HRM Graduate Programs office and I’m so incredibly proud to be a part of it all,” Glickman said. “Maggie and Anthony both bring fresh, innovative ideas to enhance our programs, and both have a stellar level of professionalism. I can’t wait to see how our department grows!”